CINCINNATI, Ohio - Xavier continued their impressive run with a commanding 7-1 victory over Marquette in NCAA women's soccer action on Saturday at the Xavier Soccer Complex. The win extended Xavier's winning streak to seven matches while dealing Marquette their fourth consecutive loss.
Elin Hansson led the offensive onslaught with a hat-trick, opening the scoring in the 14th minute with an assist from Reese Slater and Peyton Kohls. Presley Pennekamp doubled Xavier's advantage in the 39th minute off a feed from Regan Dancer, before Emma Flick made it 3-0 moments later in the 39th minute. Hansson would complete her hat-trick with goals in the 50th and 56th minutes, while Samantha Erbach added two goals of her own in the 54th and 81st minutes. Molly Keiper scored Marquette's lone goal in the 59th minute.
The first half saw Xavier establish dominance early, with Hansson and Samantha Erbach creating multiple chances. The Musketeers' pressure resulted in six shots on target before the break, while limiting Marquette to just one attempt. Clare Shea and Molly Keiper tried to spark Marquette's attack but found themselves consistently pushed back by Xavier's aggressive pressing.
Xavier continued their relentless attack in the second half, with Hansson completing her hat-trick through clinical finishing. The Musketeers made several tactical substitutions, with Breanna Dardano and Nastassja Garrett providing fresh energy in midfield. Marquette's Adrianna Alberts received a yellow card in the 52nd minute for dissent, reflecting the visitors' growing frustration. Xavier's Alexis Morrison was also cautioned in the 87th minute.
The final statistics highlighted Xavier's dominance, as they outshot Marquette 18-3, with 11 shots on target compared to Marquette's 2. The Musketeers also held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks. Despite the lopsided score, Marquette's goalkeeper recorded 4 saves in a busy afternoon, while Xavier's keeper was called upon for just one save.
Individual performances were highlighted by Hansson's hat-trick and two assists, while Samantha Erbach contributed two goals and an assist. Regan Dancer proved instrumental with two assists, demonstrating Xavier's clinical attacking movement. For Marquette, Molly Keiper provided their only bright spot with a well-taken goal in the second half.
Tactically, Xavier's high-pressing system effectively disrupted Marquette's build-up play, forcing numerous turnovers in dangerous areas. The Musketeers' quick transitions and precise passing combinations repeatedly exposed gaps in Marquette's defensive structure. The visitors struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful chances against Xavier's organized defensive unit.
The victory strengthens Xavier's position near the top of the conference standings, improving their record to 13-2-2. Meanwhile, Marquette's struggles continue as they fall to 6-7-4, highlighting the need for tactical adjustments as they approach the final stretch of the season.
Looking ahead, Xavier will aim to extend their winning streak when they host Georgetown on November 1 at 6:30 PM, while Marquette looks to regroup at home against Seton Hall on the same day at 2:00 PM. The contrasting trajectories of these programs were evident throughout this match, with Xavier demonstrating why they've become one of the conference's most formidable teams.